INCORPORATION 


FIVE  POINTS 


HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY: 


ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION, 


BY-LAWS,  AND  ADDRESSES 


OF  THE 


TRUSTEES  AND  SUPERINTENDENT. 


NEW-YORK: 
1854. 


izx  Htbrta 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

Because  it  has  been  said 
"Ever  thing  comes  t'  him  who  waits 

Except  a  loaned  book." 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


INCORPORATION 

OF  THE 

FIVE  POINTS 

HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY 

ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION, 

BY-LAWS,  AND  ADDRESSES 

OF  THE 

TRUSTEES  AND  SUPERINTENDENT. 


NEW-YORK: 

1854 


OVL  ilolt      Sox  18 


fS7 
ISH3 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  FIVE  POINTS  HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY. 

HENRY  R.  REMSEN,  President  of  the   Association,  and  Chairman  of 
the  Board  of  Trustees. 
GEORGE  G.  WATERS,  Secretary. 
CHARLES  ELY,  Treasurer. 

HENRY  R.  REMSEN. 
CHARLES  ELY, 
GEORGE  RIRD, 
EDWARD  G.  BRADBURY, 
ARCHIBALD  RUSSELL, 
THOMAS  S.  EELLS, 
CHARLES  B.  TATHAM, 
WILLIAM  W.  CORNELL, 
GEORGE  G.  "WATERS, 
REV.  LEWIS  M.  PEASE,  Superintendent. 
MRS.  ANN  E.  PEASE.  Matron. 
MR.  &  MRS.  GEORGE  W.  PEARCEY,  Assistant  Superintendent  and 

Matron. 


THE  TRUSTEES  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY, 
TO   THE  PUBLIC. 

In  assuming  the  charge  of  the  Five  Points  House  of  Industry,  the  Trustees 
feel  the  responsibility  resting  upon  them,  and  the  necessity  of  continued  and  well 
sustained  effort  on  their  part  adequately  to  discharge  their  duty.  When  they 
look  at  the  class  among  which  they  are  to  attempt  to  induce  a  reformation,  they 
would  almost  fear  to  undertake  the  task,  did  the  experience  of  the  past  not  war- 
rant a  reasonable  expectation  of  success  for  the  future.  The  results  of  the  labors 
of  Mr.  Pease  and  his  co-laborers,  and  the  happy  influence  which  he  has  been 
able  to  exert,  give  an  earnest  of  the  blessing  which  rests  on  the  undertaking ;  and 
the  Board  of  Trustees  hope,  by  strengthening  his  hands,  and  aiding,  advising,  and 
co-operating  with  him,  to  be  instruments  of  effecting  a  great  change  in  the 
degraded  locality  where  the  institution  is  situated.  Mr.  Pease  has  in  the  most 
disinterested  manner  vested  in  them  by  legal  conveyance  the  property  of  every 
kind  connected  with  the  enterprise,  and  resigned  into  their  hands  the  control  of 
the  institution,  which  he  has  fostered  and  conducted  for  nearly  four  years  with 
highly  creditable  and  successful  management.  He  is  now  the  Superintendent,  not 
the  owner,  of  the  Five  Points  House  of  Industry. 

The  Trustees  most  urgently  call  upon  the  public  to  sympathise  with  them  in 
their  undertaking,  and  to  give  them  liberal  and  continued  support.  They  have  this 
day  received  an  assignment  of  all  the  property  at  the  Five  Points  House  of  Industry, 
but  with  this  property  comes  great  responsibility.  They  have  nearly  five  hun- 
dred persons  to  feed ;  they  have  no  public  funds  to  rely  on ;  no  annual  subscri- 
bers ;  no  permanent  income  from  any  source  j  no  property  save  the  household 
furniture  and  furnishings  of  the  workshops;  no  house  to  occupy  rent-free,  as 
have  most  other  institutions  in  the  city — but  they  come  to  their  labor,  like  the 
recipients  of  their  bounty,  empty-handed,  strong  only  in  the  conviction  that  the 
good  work  which  has  been  begun  will  not  now  be  allowed  to  languish,  but  that 
a  sympathising  public  will  sustain  them  in  their  efforts. 

In  a  community  like  this,  where  the  public  legal  charities  are  so  liberally  con- 
ducted, and  where  thousands  are  maintained  and  supported  at  the  public 
expense,  the  question  naturally  arises,  why  attempt  to  create  another  charitable 
association  ;  why  not  resort  to  those  provided  by  the  civic  authorities  ?  Let  any 
one  desirous  of  an  answer  to  this  query,  walk  along  our  crowded  streets  (Orange 
or  Anthony),  and  he  will  there  see  vice,  poverty,  and  degradation  still  rampant, 
and  be  convinced  that  another  effort  of  a  reformatory  character  is  required,  to 
elevate  and  change  the  character  of  the  population. 

The  peculiar  feature  of  the  Five  Points  enterprise  is,  that  it  is  a  House  of  Indus- 
try. The  victims  of  vice  and  want,  oppressed  with  a  heavy-hcartedness  which 
they  only  can  know,  have  here  a  remedy  which  they  can  appreciate,  for  their  dis- 
tress— they  have  work  and  wages — the  only  condition  of  admission  being  an  out- 
ward propriety  of  demeanor,  and  the  expression  of  a  desire  for  ultimate  reformation. 
On  this  they  are  received,  fed,  clothed,  and  provided  with  work;  and  in  very 


4 


many  er.scs  the  strong  remembrance  of  their  years  of  early  training  and  virtuous 
habits  recurs  to  them,  prompting  to  renewed  obedience.  They  find  deliyht  in 
Occupation,  u  the  blessed  glow  of  labor/'  and  a  returning  self-respect,  in  the  sup- 
port which  their  labor  affords,  A  lew  months  of  seclusion,  religious  instruction, 
returning  health,  and  consciousness  of  usefulness,  alter  the  characters  of  tho 
inmates,  and  they  yo  to  some  situation  or  employment,  with  their  resolutions  for 
reformation  strengthened,  in  many  cases,  by  an  awakened  consciousness  of  their 
religious  responsibility. 

With  such  a  field  before  them,  the  Trustees  call  upon  the  public  for  sufficient 
and  effective  support,  while  they  promise  on  their  part  that  the  means  committed 
to  their  hands  will  be  economically  and  carefully  dispensed.  It  must  be  evident, 
that,  though  a  House  of  Industry,  it  cannot  be  self-sustaining,  as  the  benefits  of 
the  labor  of  the  inmates  are  lost  as  soon  as  a  thorough  reformation  makes  it  expe- 
dient for  them  to  seek  permanent  employment.  A  large  number  of  the  inmates 
also  are  too  young  to  contribute  at  all  to  their  own  support,  and  the  House  of 
Industry  provides  for  all  the  meals  (nearly  400  daily)  given  to  the  scholars 
attending-  the  Day  School  at  the  Five  Points,  the  educational  expenses  of  which 
are  generously  sustained  by  the  Church  of  the  Ascension  in  this  city. 

Besides  the  current  expenses  of  the  institution,  the  Trustees  this  year  appeal  to 
the  public  for  a  sum  to  enable  them  to  erect  suitable  buildings  on  the  farm  now 
conveyed  to  them  in  Westchester  County.  The  system  cf  intended  operations  is 
sketched  out  in  the  statement  of  Mr.  Pease,  and  to  that  they  would  refer  as  a 
general  exposition  of  the  plan ;  but  they  remark,  that  without  a  liberal  contri- 
bution they  will  be  unable  to  commence  at  all  this  adjunct  to  the  House  of 
Industry  at  the  Five  Points.  They  estimate  that  at  least  twenty  thousand  dol- 
lars will  be  required  to  enable  them  to  carry  out  efficiently  the  scheme  propo- 
sed, and  for  that  sum  they  now  appeal  to  the  public.  The  sum  seems  large,  but 
it  is  believed  that  no  institution  has  accomplished  a  greater  amount  of  good  with 
the  funds  committed  to  their  care  than  the  House  of  Industry  ;  and  the  Trustees 
arc  unwilling  to  believe  that  the  first  appeal  they  make,  as  a  corporate  body, 
will  not  receive  a  warm  and  ready  response.  Let  those  able  to  give,  remember 
that  "  the  wealth  of  a  man  is  the  number  of  things  which  he  loves  and  blesses, 
which  he  is  loved  and  blessed  by." 

HENRY  R.  REMSEN, 
CHARLES  ELY, 
GEORGE  BIRD, 
EDWARD  G.  BRADBURY, 
ARCHIBALD  RUSSELL,         \>  Trustees. 
THOMAS  S.  EELLS, 
CHARLES  B.  TATHAM, 
WILLIAM  W.  CORNELL, 
GEORGE  G.  WATERS. 

House  of  Industry,  New  York,  ) 
April  10th,  1854.  j 


INCOEPORATION 

OF  THE 

FIVE  POINTS  HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY. 


ADDRESS  OF  THE  REV.  L.  M.  PEASE. 

To  the  Trustees  of  the  Five  Points  House  of  Industry: 

Gentlemen — I  rejoice  unieignedly,  to  find  myself  at  the  close  of  a  period  of 
heavy  and  undivided  responsibility  as  the  sole  head  and  proprietor  (legally)  of  the 
Five  Points  House  of  Industry,  and  at  the  beginning  of  the  new  system  under 
which  I  have  labored  to  place  this  Institution,  as  public  property,  in  the  custody 
of  a  lawfully  incorporated  charitable  association.  In  surrendering  the  property 
and  responsibility  with  which  I  had  become  invested  by  the  aid  of  the  charitable 
public,  to  the  safer  depository  now  provided,  I  cheerfully  comply  with  your  re- 
quest for  such  a  general  view  as  I  may  be  able  in  brief  space  to  give,  of  the  pro- 
gress, condition,  prospects  and  advisable  plans  of  the  Institution. 

It  will  be  interesting  and  profitable  here  to  recur  for  a  moment  to  the  point 
whence  we  started,  and  to  glance  at  the  course  we  have  passed  over.  The  Five 
Points  House  of  Industry  originated,  as  you  are  aware,  in  a  humble  individual 
effort,  made  in  the  survmer  of  1850.  to  obtain  employment  for  a  number  of  un- 
happy females,  who  with  the  strongest  desires  to  escape  from  their  wretched  and 
guilty  mode  of  life,  were  debarred  from  every  oilier.  It  was  the  answer  of  a 
pitying  Providence,  (as  we  cannot  but  feel  persuaded.)  to  their  own  agonized 
entreaty.    It  happened  to  me  to  hear  that  entreaty. 

"  Don't  tell  us,'7  they  cried,  ':  how  innocent  and  happy  we  once  were,  and  how 
wicked,  and  miserable,  and  infamous  we  arc  now;  don't  talk  to  us  of  death,  and 
retribution,  and  perdition  before  us;  we  want*no  preacher  to  tell  us  all  that — but 
tell  us,  oh !  tell  us  some  way  of  escape  !  Give  us  work  and  wages  !  Do  but 
give  us  some  other  master  than  the  devil,  and  we  will  serve  him  !" 

Nov/  the  question  was.  and  still  is,  so  far  as  there  is  any  question. — was  that 
a  true,  honest  statement  of  their  case  ?  I  thought  it  was,  and  tried  to  meet  it. 
The  community  thought  differently,  and  that  made  my  task  a  hard  one.  Nobody 
believed  that  work  was  what  they  wanted  ;  that  they  had  the  same  nature,  acted 
on  by  the  same  motives,  and  disposed  to  the  pursuit  of  happiness  in  the  same 
ways,  with  other  people.  Like  the  lost  angel,  they  were  supposed  to  have  said, 
"  Evil,  be  thou  my  good ;"  and  to  riot  in  wretched  vices,  and  starve  upon  the 
scanty  wages  of  crime,  housed  by  turns  in  jails,  poor-houses,  and  kennels,  racked 
with  disease,  and  scourged  by  the  law,  was  actually  thought  to  be  the  choice 
of  a  large  portion  of  mankind,  rather  than  to  live  in  comfort  and  respectability 


6 


by  honest  labor.  This  they  passionately  denied  ;  and,  taking  them  at  their  word, 
I  had  to  work  OUl  t he  truth  of  it  by  single  handed  experiment.  For  want  of  any 
other  person  to  place  so  much  confidence  in  them,  I  had  to  become  first  (heir  ern- 
phycr  tod  i.ext  :luir  father.  First,  I  became  a  manufacturer,  and  gave  them 
shirts  to  make;  next,  I  gave  them  a  home,  and  became  the  Lead  of  a  family. 

Happily  the  position  taken  was  so  true,  that  no  long  time  and  but  little  capital 
were  required  to  convince  a  few  people  of  it  partially,  and  thus  to  gain  a  begin- 
ning of  assistance  to  the  little  germ,  which  thenceforward  worked  itself  out  into 
larger  and  larger  room,  by  the  inherent  vitality  of  truth.  I  began  in  July,  with 
thirty  or  forty  women  sewing  by  day,  in  the  chapel  of  the  Methodist  Mission. 
In  August,  I  took  a  house  on  the  Five  Points,  and  constituted  them  a  family.  In 
September,  the  day  school  was  started,  which  was  taken  under  the  patronage  of 
Mr.  Donaldson,  Mrs.  Bedell,  and  the  members  of  Ascension  Church,  and  has 
flourished,  under  the  care  of  the  latter,  to  this  day.  In  October,  we  were  able 
to  add  a  second  house,  and  the  inmates  were  increased  to  fifty  or  sixty.  In 
February,  an  additional  room  was  hired,  admitting  a  dozen  more.  In  May,  1851, 
four  houses  were  taken,  and  the  number  of  inmates  ran  as  high  as  a  hundred 
and  twenty.  It  now  came  for  ten  months  under  the  control  of  the  National 
Temperance  Society.  A  bakery  had  at  this  time  been  added  to  its  industrial 
arrangements,  and  coarse  basket  making  was  introduced  soon  after.  In  March, 
1852.  the  establishment  reverted  to  my  control,  on  the  same  terms  on  which  it 
had  been  conveyed  to  the  Temperance  Society,  viz. :  the  payment  of  all  existing 
liabilities.  In  May,  1853,  three  more  houses  on  the  Five  Points  were  added  to 
the  number,  and  in  January  last,  the  house  No.  383  Broome  street,  was  appro- 
priated to  the  very  small  children,  invalids,  and  others;  making  in  all  eight 
houses  occupied  by  the  Five  Points  House  of  Industry.  The  house  in  Broome 
street,  however,  will  not  be  needed  after  May  1st,  as  its  purposes  will  be  better 
answered  by  that  in  the  country,  to  be  completed  about  that  time. 

For  the  last  six  months  we  have  supported,  in  doors  and  out,  a  daily  average 
of  at  least  five  hundred  persons,  by  their  labor  here,  and  by  the  benefactions  of 
the  charitable.  The  average  number  of  inmates  is  now  about  three  hundred,  of 
whom  a  hundred  and  fifty  are  children,  twenty-five  men,  and  a  hundred  and 
twenty-five  women.  Two  hundrccLchildrcn  are  in  the  schools,  of  whom  about  half 
are  from  outside,  but  receive  partial  board  with  us.  We  employ  two  men  and  thirty 
women  in  sewing;  sixteen  girls  in  fine  basket-making;  three  men  and  ten  boys 
in  shoemaking;  an  average  of  twenty-five  women  and  girls  in  straw- work;  about 
twenty-five  persons  on  the  farm  (in  building  and  the  care  of  workmen)  and  the 
rest  of  our  inmates  are  engaged  in  miscellaneous  necessary  services,  except  a 
small  number  who  pay  board  in  the  Institution,  for  the  purpose  of  reformation 
or  protection.  The  whole  number  which  has  passed  through  the  Institution  since 
its  commencement,  cannot  be  estimated  lower  than  from  1.500  to  2.000. 

The  proportion  of  all  our  expenses,  which  has  fallen  upon  the  charitable,  in- 
cluding the  preliminary  expenses  in  which  the  objects  of  the  effort  could  render 
no  assistance,  and  our  recent  investments  for  the  Farm  and  Home  in  the  Country, 
may  be  seen  in  the  following  abstract: 


7 


Tol.  Expense".  E  rninss.      Bal.  in  Donations. 

To  May               1851   $2,625  21          $509  65   §2,115  56 

Balance  of           1851   7,772  55  5,117  74   2,654  81 

  185?   11,135  12          8,754  63   4,810  46 

  1853   17.671  92          8,249  72   9,422  20 

Three  months  in  1854   7,777  07  2,411  57   5,365  50 

Earnings  accumulated,  as  per  Inventory.  1,640  86 

Totals  $48,981  87  26,684  20         23,938  53 

[For  the  purposes  of  this  illustration  the  Farm  Account  is  excluded.] 

But  there  is  a  species  of  moral  progress,  not  easily  shown  by  figures  or  descrip- 
tion. I  have  alluded  to  the  incredulity  of  the  public  with  reference  to  the  wil- 
lingness of  these  lost  people  to  lead  an  honest  life,  if  enabled  to  do  so.  This 
unbelief  was  so  strong,  that  during  the  first  year  of  our  labors,  it  was  almost 
impossible  to  obtain  a  situation  for  one  of  our  girls  in  any  decent  family.  By 
degrees,  however,  a  few  obtained  trial;  and  the  example  of  their  success  as  domes- 
tics, caused  neighboring  employers  to  inquire  for  similar  girls.  Slowly  the 
demand  thus  spread,  until,  so  great  is  the  change  in  public  feeling,  we  have  sent 
to  situations  throughout  the  past  year,  from  thirty  to  fifty  persons  per  month, 
with  an  urgent  and  continual  demand  for  twice  as  many  as  we  can  supply. 

With  regard  to  the  state  of  the  public  mind,  towards  this  enterprise  of  benevo- 
lence, the  most  encouraging  developments  have  been  witnessed  in  the  last  six 
months.  The  purchase  of  our  farm,  through  the  spontaneous  liberality  of  ten 
individuals,  is  prominent  among  the  tokens  for  good  with  which  we  have 
been  favored,  and  has  been  followed  by  a  stream  of  benefactions,  which,  though 
perhaps  not  large  in  comparison  with  the  work  devolved  upon  the  Christian 
community  oi  New  York,  in  behalf  of  its  poor,  or  in  comparison  with  its  ability 
to  perform  that  sacred  work  without  delay,  is  still  large  enough  to  afford  a  signal 
token  of  the  revival  of  primitive  Christian  charity  in  the  modern  world.  The 
entire  amount  received  or  subscribed  since  October  last,  is  nearly  $25,000. 

The  Farm,  purchased  last  fall,  consists  of  sixty-four  acres  of  choice  arable 
land,  and  cost  $11,390.  of  which  $1,390  are  paid,  and  the  balance,  to  be  paid  in 
annual  instalments  of  1,000.  is  pledged  to  the  Institution,  in  equal  parts,  by  ten 
gentlemen  who  came  forward  voluntarily  and  without  concert,  to  assume  the  bur- 
den of  those  payments.  Our  land  lies  in  the  town  of  East  Chester,  Westchester 
county,  sixteen  miles  from  the  city,  between  the  Harlem  and  New  Haven  rail- 
roads, about  one  mile  distant  from  the  former  at  Bronxville,  and  half  a  mile  from 
the  latter  at  Pelhamville.  The  region  of  country  in  which  it  is  situated,  is  ele- 
vated and  healthy,  and  the  farm  itself  is  a  delightful  spot,  with  a  slightly  undu- 
lating surface,  adorned  with  groves  of  hickory,  maple,  chestnut,  and  other  forest 
trees,  and  watered  on  two  sides  by  the  beautiful  little  river  Bronx. 

We  have  now  the  foundations  and  materials  in  readiness  for  a  frame  building, 
measuring  28  by  45  feet,  and  two  stories  high,  with  attic  and  basement,  which 
will  be  ready  for  occupation  about  the  first  of  May.  This  building  is  situated  a 
few  rods  in  the  rear  of  the  probable  site  of  the  main  buildings.  It  will  accommo- 
date a  hundred  of  our  people  this  summer,  and  will  serve  for  farm  and  building 


8 


purposes,  until  the  main  buildings  arc  ready  :  after  which,  it  will  always  be  con- 
venient for  workshops  or  some  other  necessary  use. 

I  should  recommend  an  appeal  to  the  public  lor  means  to  construct  during  the 
presenl  season  (on  a  well  considered  plan)  at  least  the  central  division  of  an 
edifice  which  will  by  the  extent  of  its  accommodations,  tell  materially  upon  the 
condition  of  the  destitute  in  this  city  next  winter;  at  the  same  time  that  no 
sudden  and  excessive  expansion  is  attempted,  and  no  debt  incurred.  The  building 
should  be  so  planned  as  to  admit  of  extensive  enlargements,  with  perfect  economy 
and  convenience,  as  fast  as  the  public  liberality,  stimulated  by  the  successful 
management  of  the  Institution,  shall  enable  the  Trustees  to  effect  them. 

While  the  country  establishment  should  be  regarded  as  the  great  field  of  im- 
provement, and  the  principal  dwelling-place  of  those  under  our  charge,  the  house 
at  the  Five  Points  should  not  be  given  up,  but  maintained  as  a  centre  of  opera- 
tions and  influence  in  the  city,  a  place  of  reception,  trial  and  training,  and  of 
temporary  emj  Loyment  and  relief,  where  such  only  are  needed.  The  prospect 
of  transfer  to  an  inviting  home  in  the  country,  will  generally  be  a  strong  incentive 
to  good  conduct,  by  which  the  length  of  trial  in  the  house  at  the  Five  Points, 
may  be  regulated. 

Tbe  principal  industrial  operations  being  there  carried  on.  it  may  be  hoped 
will  eventually  render  the  country  establishment  in  a  great  measure  self-sup- 
porting, while  that  at  the  Five  Points  will  always  be  partially  so.  The  employ- 
ments at  the  country  house  should  be  farming  and  gardening  (in  the  proper 
seasons)  in  which  all  inmates  of  either  sex  should  take  part,  according  to  their 
strength  and  capacity.  In  the  intervals,  house-work,  plain  sewing,  tailoring, 
shoe-making,  basket-making,  and  all  other  branches  of  industry  which  can  be 
profitably  introduced,  should  be*  taught  and  carried  on.  All  of  our  operations, 
whether  in  city  or  country,  will  doubtless  be  conducted  upon  the  vital  and  dis- 
tinctive principle  of  the  system,  as  embodied  in  your  articles  of  incorporation, 
viz.,  voluntary  labor  and  just  wages,  as  far  as  practicable ;  and  charity,  pure  and 
free,  where  charity  becomes  necessary.  It  is  this  which  distinguishes  our  system 
from  pauperism,  and  justifies  the  effort  to  supersede  the  Almshouse  by  the  House 
of  Industry.  We  start  with  recognizing  the  claim  of  our  unfortunate  brethren  to 
our  best  counsel  and  assistance  in  the  common  duty  of  supporting  themselves  and 
their  families  by  free  and  honorable  labor  :  subject  only^ to  such  restraints  and 
conditions  as  their  moral  infirmities  may  render  necessary  to  that  end  ;  and  as  far 
as  possible,  in  the  exercise  of  all  the  natural  relations  and  responsibilities  ordained 
for  the  moral  health  and  development  of  man;  or  in  a  state  as  much  as  possible 
approximated  to  that. great  institution  of  nature  and  nature's  God,  the  family. 

We  regard  it  as  the  best  thing  we  can  do,  to  give  employment  and  encourage- 
ment to  otherwise  suffering  or  thriftless  families,  without  impairing  their  domestic 
ties  or  responsiblities  :  and  we  labor  for  the  time  when  society  will  take  upon 
itself  to  sec  that  none  shall  be  driven  to  beggary  and  crime  by  lack  of  honorable 
employment.  Next  to  individual  homes  of  their  own  (improved  in  comfort  and 
economy  by  the  public  care)  is  the  object,  where  no  better  can  be  attained,  of 
giving  the  destitute  a  general  heme,  where  they  may  resort  for  employment, 


9 


board,  instruction,  and  whatever  else  they  need,  without  sacrifice  of  independence 
and  self-reliance,  except  so  far  as  their  own  labor  falls  short  of  supporting  them  ; 
the  line  where  strict  justice  fails  their  need,  and  charity  begins  to  supply  it, 
being  distinctly  marked.  In  such  an  establishment  the  great  principle  to  be  kept 
ever  in  view  is,  that  we  are  dealing  not  with  things,  but  with  persons,  in  all  respects 
essentially  like  ourselves,  and  that  our  great  end  should  be  the  development  of 
their  humanity  on  all  sides,  to  higher  and  nobler  forms.  The  deadly  evils  of 
strict  segregation  in  large  and  uniform  classes,  should  be  guarded  against  as  far 
as  the  nature  of  the  case  will  allow,  and  may  and  should  be  mitigated  (with  other 
improvements  of  situation)  by  promotion  into  higher  departments,  as  the  moral 
progress  of  individuals  may  warrant  and  merit. 

Finally,  whatever  importance  we  attach  to  judicious  measures  for  temporal, 
social,  and  moral  improvement,  may  we  and  our  successors  never  forget  the 
eternal  necessity  of  religion  to  the  welfare  of  created  beings,  nor  cease  to  make  it 
our  paramount  object,  to  bring  them  to  a  saving  acquaintance  with  the  Gospel  of 
Christ.  Upon  this  depends  the  worth  as  well  as  the  success  of  all  our  labors ; 
failing  of  this,  or  of  an  influence  tending  thither,  our  toil  and  treasure  will  be 
but  as  water  spilled  upon  the  ground.  Bible  instruction,  daily  devotion,  weekly 
divine  service,  and  Sunday  Schools,  must  be  established  and  unchangeable  parts 
of  our  system,  and  should  be  attended  to  with  the  paramount  fervor  and  zeal 
appropriate  to  the  pursuit  of  "  man's  chief  end."  May  the  Gospel,  in  its  purity 
and  spirituality,  and  the  devoutly  invoked  presence  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  never 
depart  from  this  Institution:  but  may  it  end  as  it  began,  in  simple,  humble  effort, 
for  the  salvation  of  Souls.  L.  M.  PEASE. 

New  York,  April  10th,  1854. 

PROPERTY  OF  THE  INSTITUTION : 
April  1st,  1854. 

Made  over  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pease  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Five  Points 


House  of  Industry,  on  the  10th  of  April,  1854. 

The  Farm  in  East  Chester,  64  acres  and  1  rood  of  Land,    ....  $11,390.00 

Buildings  and  Building  Materials,   J, 650. 00 

Live  Stock,  Farm  Utensils,  and  Furniture,  as  Inventoried,  ....  346.00 

Furniture  at  No.  383  Broome-street,            li                  ....  350.00 

Furniture,  &c,  in  the  Houses  at  the  Five  Points,    :i          ....  2.437.22 

Cash  (belonging  to  the  Farm.)   1,076.07 


$17,249.29 

Deduct  Liabilities,  in  Unpaid  Bills,  1,146.36 

"  "       '  Due  on  Farm,  10.000.0 J 

Nett  Total,   $6,102.93 


10 


CERTIFICATE  OF  INCORPORATION 


FIVE  POINTS  HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY. 

T/us  is  tow  certify  as  follows,  to  wit,  the  persons  whose  names  are  hereunto 
signed,  all  being  citizens  of  the  United  States,  desire  to,  and  do  hereby  associate 
themselves,  for  charitable  purposes,  under  the  name  and  title  of  The  Five 
Points  Hoi;se  of  Industry. 

The  particular  objects  and  purposes  of  this  Association,  arc — 

I.  To  assist  the  destitute  to  support  themselves,  by  providing  for  them  employ- 
ment, protection,  and  instruction,  according  to  their  necessities. 

II.  To  provide  partial  or  entire  support,  with  suitable  instruction,  to  children 
and  others  incapable  of  self-support,  and  not  satisfactorily  provided  for  by  their 
parents,  guardians,  or  by  existing  institutions. 

III.  To  imbue  the  objects  of  its  care  with  the  pure  principles  of  Christianity, 
as  revealed  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  without  bias  from  the  distinctive  peculiarities 
of  any  individual  sect. 

The  number  of  Trustees  to  manage  the  same,  is  nine. 

The  names  of  the  Trustees  of  such  Association  for  the  first  year  of  its  exist- 
ence are — Charles  Ely,  Henry  R.  Remsen,  George  Bird,  Edward  G.  Bradbury, 
Archibald  Russell,  Thomas  L.  Eells,  Charles  B.  Tatham,  William  W.  Cornell, 
George  G.  Waters. 

The  principal  office  of  the  Association  is  and  shall  be  located  in  the  City  and 

County  of  New  York. 

The  undersigned  are  all  of  full  age,  and  the  majority  of  us  are  citizens  of 

the  State  of  New  York. 

Dated  at  the  City  of  New  York,  the  third  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1854. 
James  Donaldson  David  Sands 

George  Douglass,  of  Douglass  Farms       Oris  C.  Lovett 
A.  A.  Low  Horace  B.  Claflin 

Hiram  Barney  Richard  Warren 

John  Stephenson  Morris  Reynolds 

Edward  C.  Delavan  F.  W.  Hotchkiss 

John  N.  Wilder  Charles  Ely 

Charles  Tracy  Henry  R.  Remsen 

Henry  Sheldon  George  Bird 

Anson  G.  Phelps  Edward  G.  Bradbury 

George  G.  Spencer  Archibald  Russell 

Wallace  E.  Caldwell  Thomas  S.  Eells 

Henry  C.  Bowen  Charles  B.  Tatham 

James  R.  Spalding  William  W.  Cornell 

Washington  R.  Vermilye  George  G.  Waters. 


11 


City  and  County  of  New  York,  ss. 

On  the  sixth  day  of  March,  1854,  before  nie  personally  came  James  Don- 
aldson. George  Douglass,  Hiram  Barney,  John  Stephenson,  Horace  B.  Claflin, 
Frederick  W.  Hotchkiss,  Charles  Ely,  and  George  G.  Waters  ;  and  on  the  sev- 
enth day  of  March,  1854,  before  me  personally  came  Abiel  A.  Low,  Anson  G. 
Phelps,  Henry  C.  Bowen,  Washington  R.  Vermilye,  Morris  Reynolds,  George 
Bird,  and  Charles  B.  Tatham  ;  and  on  the  eighth  day  of  March,  1854,  before  me 
personally  came  George  G.  Spencer,  Wallace  E.  Caldwell,  and  Archibald  Rus- 
sell ;  and  on  the  ninth  day  of  March,  1854,  before  me  personally  came  Charles 
Tracy,  Henry  Sheldon,  David  Sands,  Otis  C.  Lovett,  Richard  Warren,  Henry  R. 
Remsen,  Edward  G.  Bradbury,  Thomas  S.  Eells,  and  William  W.  Cornell  ;  and 
on  the  10th  day  of  March,  1854,  before  me  personally  came  Edward  C.  Delavan, 
James  R.  Spalding,  and  John  N.  Wilder — all  of  the  said  persons  being  seve- 
rally known  to  me  to  be  the  individuals  described  in,  and  who  executed  the  fore- 
going certificate,  and  severally  acknowledged  to  me  that  they  executed  the  same. 

FREDERICK  G.  BURNHAM,  Commissioner  of  Deeds. 


Let  the  within  Certificate  be  filed  in  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  City  and 
County  of  New  York. 

New  York,  llth  March,  1854.       .  T.  W.  CLERKE. 


Clerk's  Office,  City  and  County  of  New  York,  ss. 

I,  Richard  B.  Connolly,  Clerk  of  the  City  and  County  of  New  York,  do 
certify,  that  [  have  compared  the  foregoing  Copy  Charter  with  the  original 
thereof,  which  was  filed  in  my  office  on  the  eleventh  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1854, 
and  that  the  same  is  a  correct  transcript  therefrom,  and  of  the  whole  of  such 
original. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  affixed  my  offi- 
[L.  S.]      cial  seal,  this  llth  day  of  March,  A.D.  1854. 

RICH'D  B.  CONNOLLY,  Clerk. 

State  of  New  York,  Secretary's  Office. 

I  have  compared  the  foregoing  Copy  Charter  with  the  original  thereof, 
this  day  filed  in  this  office,  and  do  certify  that  the  same  is  a  correct  transcript 
therefrom,  and  of  the  whole  of  such  original. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  of  office,  at  the  city  of  Albany,  this  thir- 
[L.  S.]      teenth  day  of  March,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-four. 

A.  G.  JOHNSON,  Dep.  Sec.  of  State. 


12 


BY-LAWS  OF  THE  FIVE  POINTS  HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY. 
Adopted  March  17,  1854. 

I.  The  Members  of  this  Society  are  the  persons  who  have  subscribed  the  Arti- 
cles of  Incorporation. 

Vacancies  occurring  among  them  shall  be  filled  by  the  remaining  members  by 
election,  from  among  those  contributing  to  the  funds  of  the  Society,  but  not  more 
than  oae-fourth  of  the  whole  number  shall  at  one  and  the  same  time  belong  to 
the  same  religious  denomination. 

No  person  shall  be  elected  a  member  unless  his  name  shall  have  been  pre- 
sented at  a  previous  meeting  and  reported  on  by  a  committee,  or  unless  he  shall 
be  recommended  by  the  Board  of  Trustees. 

The  Society  may  at  any  time  increase  the  number  of  members,  provided  notice 
of  a  motion  to  that  effect  has  been  given  at  a  previous  meeting,  and  a  majority 
of  the  whole  number  of  members  shall  vote  in  favor  of  such  increase. 

II.  The  officers  of  the  Society  shall  consist  of  a  President,  Secretary,  and 
Treasurer,  who,  together  with  the  Board  of  Trustees,  shall  be  elected  by  ballot 
at  the  annual  meeting.  Vacancies,  in  either  of  said  offices,  shall  be  filled  by 
election,  at  a  special  meeting  to  be  called  for  that  purpose. 

The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacancies  in  their  own  body. 

III.  The  President  shall  preside  at  all  meetings,  preserve  order,  decide  all 
questions  of  order,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  Society,  and  appoint  committees 
whenever  it  shall  not  be  otherwise  ordered. 

IV.  The  Secretary  shall  have  charge  of  the  Seal,  By-Laws,  B,ecords,  and 
Documents  of  the  Society. 

It  shall  be  his  duty  (in  the  absence  of  special  directions  from  the  Board  of 
Trustees.)  to  fix  the  time  and  place  of  meetings,  and  give  notice  of  the  same. 

He  shall  keep  full  and  accurate  records  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Society,  and 
give  notice  to  the  officers  and  servants  of  the  Society,  and  to  the  Trustees  and 
committees,  of  all  votes,  orders,  or  resolutions,  affecting  them  in  the  discharge  of 
their  respective  duties,  and  perform  such  other  duties  as  usually  pertain  to  tho 
office  of  a  Secretary. 

V.  The  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  keep  the  funds  and  securities  of  the  So- 
ciety, and  disburse  and  dispose  of  the  same  under  the  direction  of  the  Board  of 
Trustees. 

VI.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  appoint  their  own  Chairman  and  Clerk,  and 
make  their  own  By-Laws,  which  shall  not  be  inconsistent  with  these  By-Laws. 

They  shall  meet  at  least  once  in  each  month  for  the  transaction  of  business, 
and  shall  make  a  full  report  to  the  Society  at  its  annual  meeting. 

VII.  The  Society  shall  also,  at  its  annual  meeting,  elect  an  Auditing  Com- 
mittee, to  be  composed  of  three  members  (not  being  officers  or  Trustees),  1o  serve 
for  the  ensuing  year,  to  whom  the  accounts  of  the  Trustees  and  Treasurer  shall 
at  any  time  be  submitted,  and  who  shall  report  thereon  to  the  Society. 


13 


VIII.  The  Society  shall  hold  its  annual  meeting  on  the  second  Monday  of 
March  in  each  year,  and  special  meetings  shall  be  called,  whenever  required,  by 
the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  upon  the  written  requisition  of  any  seven  members. 

Notice  of  meetings  shall  be  given,  by  depositing  notices  in  the  Post-Office  at 
the  city  of  New- York,  directed  to  the  members  respectively,  at  their  last  known 
places  of  business,  or  residence,  at  least  three  days  previous  to  the  time  of 
meeting. 

The  hour  and  place  of  meeting  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or,  in 
case  of  their  omission,  by  the  Secretary. 

Nine  members  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

IX.  At  the  Annual  Meeting,  the  order  of  business  shall  be — 

1.  Reading  the  minutes  of  the  preceding  meeting. 

2.  Reports  and  communications  from  officers  of  the  Society. 

3.  Reports  of  Trustees  and  Committees. 

4.  Elections. 

5.  Miscellaneous  business. 

X.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  happening  in  the  office  of  President,  or  Secretary,  the 
duties  of  the  office  so  vacant  shall  be  discharged  by  the  Chairman  or  Clerk  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  respectively. 

In  case  of  the  absence  of  either  from,  or  his  inability  to  act  at,  any  meeting  of 
the  Society,  the  members  present  may  appoint  a  person  to  discharge  the  duties 
for  the  time  being. 

XI.  Any  officer,  servant,  or  Trustee  of  the  Society  may  be  removed  for  cause, 
by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  the  whole  Board  of  Trustees. 

XII.  If  any  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  absent  from  the  meetings  for 
three  successive  months,  without  reasons  satisfactory  to  the  Beard,  his  place  may 
be  declared  vacant. 

XIII.  The  Society  may,  for  cause,  expel  a  member,  by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of 
the  whole  number  of  members,  at  any  meeting  whereof  two  weeks  previous 
notice  shall  have  been  given ;  but  no  member  shall  be  expelled  without  being 
heard  in  relation  to  the  charges  against  him. 

XIV.  No  alterations  shall  be  made  in  these  By-Laws,  unless  the  same  shall 
have  been  moved  at  a  previous  meeting,  and  shall  be  adopted  by  a  vote  of  a 
majority  of  the  whole  Society. 


* 


1 1 


BY-LAWS  OF  THE  TRUSTEES 

OF 

THE  FIVE   POINTS   HOUSE  OF  INDUSTRY. 

L  Stated  meetings  shall  be  held  on  the  second  Monday  of  each  month,  at 
such  hour  and  place  as  the  Board  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint.  Special 
meetings  may  be  called  at  any  time  by  the  Chairman,  or  by  any  three  of  the 
Trustees. 

EL  The  order  of  the  business  shall  be  as  follows  : — 

1.  Reading  of  the  Minutes. 

2.  Reports  of  Officers. 

3.  Reports  of  Committees. 

4.  Reports  of  Superintendent. 

5.  Elections. 

6.  Unfinished  Business. 

7.  Miscellaneous  Business. 

But  at  special  meetings  the  business  for  which  the  meeting  was  called  shall 
have  a  preference  over  all  other  business,  after  the  reading  of  the  minutes. 

III.  The  Chairman.  Clerk,  and  Standing  Committees  shall  be  elected  at  the 
stated  meeting  in  March  ;  and  at  the  stated  meeting  in  April,  a  Superintendent 
and  Matron  shall  be  elected,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  for  one  year,  unless 
removed  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  Board.  All  elections  shall  be  by  ballot,  and 
a  majority  of  all  the  Trustees  shall  be  necessary  to  a  choice. 

IV.  The  Chairman  shall  preside  at  all  meetings,  and  decide  all  questions  of 
order,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  Board,  and  exercise  a  general  supervision  over 
all  the  affairs  of  the  institution. 

V.  The  Clerk  shall  give  notice  of  all  meetings, — keep  correct  minutes  of  the 
proceedings. — flic  and  preserve  all  documents  submitted  to.  or  received  by  the 
Board. — notify  committees,  officers,  and  agents,  of  all  resolutions  affecting  them, 
in  the  discharge  of  their  duties. — conduct  correspondence,  and  perform  such  othex 
services  as  usually  appertain  to  his  office,  or  are  specially  delegated  to  him  by 

*  the  Board. 

VI.  There  shall  be  three  standing  committees,  to  be  called  : — 

1.  The  Finance  Committee. 

2.  The  Building  Committee. 

3.  The  Discipline  Committee. 
To  consist  of  four  members  each. 

At  any  meeting  of  such  committees,  duly  called  by  the  Chairman  thereof,  two 
members  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

The  action  of  the  committees  upon  the  matters  submitted  to  them  shall  be 
certified  by  the  signature  of  their  respective  presiding  officers. 

VII.  The  Finance  Committee  shall  audit  all  bills  and  claims,  and  the  accounts 
of  the  Superintendent  and  Treasurer, — invest  and  manage  the  surplus  funds, — 


15 


make,  or  authorize  all  purchases  of  provisions,  stores,  or  articles  consumed,  and 
raw  materials  used  in  the  institution,  and  the  sale,  or  other  disposition  of  the 
proceeds  of  labor. 

VIII.  The  Building  Committee  shall  supervise  all  constructions  and  repairs, 
and  the  procuring  of  plans,  and  making  of  contracts  for  the  same,  and  shall 
certify  such  contracts  and  their  due  fulfilment,  to  the  Finance  Committee,  before 
any  order  for  payment  shall  be  made. 

They  shall  have  the  general  supervision  over  the  land  and  its  management, 
buildings,  goods,  and  chattels  belonging  to  the  society, — inspect  the  same,  once  at 
least  in  each  month, — authorize  all  necessary  repairs,  and  recommend  to  the 
Board  all  such  alteration^  improvements,  or  additions,  as  they  shall  deem 
advisable. 

IX.  The  Discipline  Committee  shall  regulate  the  terms  of  admission. — 
recommend  the  studies  and  branches  of  industry  to  be  pursued  by  the  inmates, 
and  see  to  the  proper  introduction  of  the  same,  when  ordered  by  the  Board. — and 
provide  for  the  secular  and  religious  instruction  of  the  inmates,  and  for  Divine 
worship. 

They  shall  also  examine,  and  approve  or  suspend,  and  report  to  the  Board  all 
general  rules  and  regulations  which  the  Superintendent  may  make  in  regard  to 
the  conduct  of  those  under  him,  or  the  management  of  business, — investigate  and 
report  to  the  Board  upon  all  complaints  of  misconduct  on  the  part  of  any  officer, 
agent,  or  employee  of  the  society, — and  shall  generally  have  charge  of  all  matters 
relating  to  the  internal  government  of  the  institution,  not  otherwise  provided  for. 

X.  The  standing  committees  shall  make  a  succinct  report  of  their  proceedings 
at  each  stated  meeting.  And  at  the  February  meeting  shall  present  a  report  for 
the  entire  year. 

The  Treasurer  shall  deposit  the  moneys  in  his  hands,  in  a  bank  to  be  approved 
by  the  Finance  Committee, — shall  pay  no  bills  or  claims  until  the  same  have 
been  approved  by  the  Finance  Committee, — shall  keep  correct  accounts  of  his 
receipts  and  disbursements,  and  present  short  abstracts  of  the  same  at  each 
stated  meeting,  which  shall  be  recorded  by  the  Clerk,  in  a  book  to  be  kept 
for  the  purpose. 

XI.  The  Superintendent  shall  nominate  such  persons  as  he  shall  judge  most 
fit  to  fill  the  subordinate  offices,  "which  shall  from  time  to  time  be  created,  and 
appoint  them,  if  approved  by  the  Board  or  Discipline  Committee.  He  shall  see 
that  the  incumbents  are  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  and  that  the  By- 
Laws  and  Regulations  are  duly  observed. 

He  shall  have  the  immediate  charge  and  control  (subject  to  the  By-Laws  and 
orders  of  the  Board),  of  the  whole  institution,  its  property  and  inmates,  and  of 
the  studies,  and  branches  of  industry  to  be  carried  on. 

Orders  and  Resolutions  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  or  of  committees  thereof, 
affecting  his  subordinates,  shall  be  communicated  through  him. 

He  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  name,  age,  and  birth-place  of  every  inmate, — the 
time  of  his  or  her  entrance  and  discharge. — the  previous  habits  of  life,  and  such 


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other  fuels  as  he  may  think  worthy  of  preservation,  and  in  case  of  death,  the 
time  and  cause  of  death. 

He  shall  keep  a  journal  of  the  daily  events  occurring  at  the  institution,  which 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  committees  whenever  required. 

He  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the  Finance  Committee,  purchase  all  supplies, 
dispose  of  such  of  the  products  of  labor  as  are  not  wanted  for  consumption,  and 
pay  over  the  proceeds  to  the  Treasurer.  Provided,  however,  that  he  may  pay 
from  the  funds  in  hand,  such  compensation  and  wages  to  the  inmates  and  inferior 
employes  of  the  institution  as  the  Finance  Committee  shall  approve,  rendering 
accounts  thereof  to  the  Treasurer,  with  proper  vouchers. 

He  shall  keep  accounts  of  all  wrork  done,  and  supplies  delivered,  and  shall 
accompany  all  accounts  and  bills  submitted  to  a  committee,  with  his  certificate 
as  to  their  correctness. 

lie  shall  be  responsible  for  the  proper  discipline  of  the  inmates,  and  prevent 
visits  to  them  by  improper  persons,  or  at  improper  times. 

He  shall  prepare  weekly,  a  statement  of  the  number  of  inmates,  the  admissions 
and  discharges,  deaths,  the  number  of  sick,  the  employments  pursued,  work  done, 
supplies  received,  cash  payments  and  receipts,  and  such  other  particulars  as  shall 
be  necessary  to  give  a  succinct  view  of  the  condition  of  the  institution,  which 
shall  be  submitted  to  the  committees  when  desired,  and  to  the  Board  at  the 
stated  meetings. 

XII.  The  Board  may  at  any  time  fill  vacancies,  or  do  any  other  act  which  has 
been  omitted  at  the  time  hereinbefore  prescribed. 

XIII.  Amendments  of  these  By-Laws  may  be  made  at  any  meeting,  provided 
notice  of  a  motion  for  that  .purpose  has  been  given  at  a  previous  meeting. 


